Service Error 79 on HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M283fdw

[denishay]

Hi.

Since an automatic firmware upgrade (suggested by the printer UI, i just accepted), I am now getting Error 79 and constant resets of the printer. It is impossible to print anything anymore.

I saw there was a similar thread but couldn't post in it. I need to know how to reset or restore my printer to full functionality. It had been working flawlessly up till that firmware update last week.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @denishay

Welcome to the HP support community.

I understand that you are getting service error 79. I'd like to help!

The only option left is to perform a full reset and re-initialize the printer. 

Follow the steps below. 

One of the following errors is displayed on the printer's control panel:

79 Error Turn off then on

The printer has experienced an internal firmware error.

79 Service error Turn off then on

An incompatible DIMM might be installed.

Solution: 79 Error Turn off then on

• Turn the printer power off, wait at least 30 seconds, and then turn the power on and wait for it to initialize.
• If you are using a surge protector, remove it and plug the printer directly into the wall socket. Turn the printer power on.
• If the message persists, disconnect any network or USB cables and power cycle. If the printer returns to Ready, check the firmware version and update if a newer version is available.
• For instructions on updating the firmware, go to HP LaserJet Pro - Update the printer firmware.
• NOTE:
• The firmware version can be found by printing a Configuration Report from the control panel of your printer. Visit the HP Customer Support Drivers page to find the latest firmware version available.
• If the error is intermittent, attempt to isolate the issue to something specific in your environment.
• Delete all print jobs from all computers connected to the printer and send a simple test print job.
• If the message persists, please contact HP Customer Support.

Solution: 79 Service error Turn off then on

• Turn the printer power off, wait at least 30 seconds, and then turn the power on and wait for it to initialize.
• If you are using a surge protector, remove it and plug the printer directly into the wall socket. Turn the printer power on.
• If the message persists, disconnect any network or USB cables and power cycle. If the printer returns to Ready, check the firmware version and update if a newer version is available.
• For instructions on updating the firmware, go to HP LaserJet Pro - Update the printer firmware.
• NOTE:
• The firmware version can be found by printing a Configuration Report from the control panel of your printer. Visit the HP Customer Support Drivers page to find the latest firmware version available.
• If the error is intermittent, attempt to isolate the issue to something specific in your environment.
• Delete all print jobs from all computers connected to the printer and send a simple test print job.
• If the issue persists, remove any installed DIMMS and retest.
• If the printer prints fine, install a DIMM that the product supports.
• If the message persists, please contact HP Customer Support.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[Nal_NR]

Hi @denishay,

As we did not hear from you, 
I'll be closing this case for now. If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us. 

Have a great day!

[denishay]

Hi,

Sorry for the delayed reply. I have tried to open a separate ticket about that, as this is still unresolved.

I have yet to find any company making it harder to get support on a purchased product... 😞   [for the official support ticket, this forum is quite OK]

The problem still persists. The printer will stay on for a while, then suddenly reset on its own with the service error message (79 Error Turn off then on). The latest firmware, if anything, makes it worse, not better.

I went from a smooth running device with no problem whatsoever to basically a paper weight, as I can't do anything with it. I can't print anything (paper inevitably stops after 2 seconds mid-course and the printer resets if I try to print).

How come we can't downgrade firmware? I regret the day I accepted the update the printer suggested I did... (on the printer itself, I am not using the software suite since it started FORCING to have an HP cloud account to make something such a s a simple scan).

[JoForrester]

I have the same issue and have been through all the recommended fixes by HP and nothing is working. Please advise further.

Currently can not print and need to for work.

[denishay]

I am in the same boat... This is really appalling to find so little support for something triggered by HP in the first place. Once this get fixed, there is no way I'll update anything

[woodychuck]

After struggling to find a way to downgrade, eventually a factory reset solved the problem for me.

I hesitated doing it to not lose the network settings etc., but eventually it was my last resort.

For now, I have 20220729 firmware working fine again (problems started after upgrade to this, most probably from 20220411)

[denishay]

Hi Woody,

Do you mind forwarding me the instructions for a factory reset? I personally don't mind trying that, but can't find proper instructions for that. All were outdated and/or related to other printers.

Thanks in advance.

Kind regards,
Mep

[woodychuck]

It's directly accessible in the printer menu. No rocket science necessary...

Setup -> Service -> Restore Defaults.

Hope it helps!

[denishay · Accepted solution]

Hi Woody,

I had tried that already, but for some reason, it didn't work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OleEHPMRGdU

However, I gave a go at a "Hard reset" video on you tube for a model sufficiently close (M280nw), and now, I can finally print again!!! No periodic resets anymore, and no paper blocked in the first 2 seconds!

Same firmware too, as it seems the hard reset for some reason doesn't "rollback" the firmware to a previous version.

So, in short...

From "off" state:

• switch the printer on

• wait for the screen to show a full white page

• as soon as this white screen is off, touch the screen and *leave your finger pressed*

• at some stage, you will see a "permanent storage reinit." message

• wait some more, a "reinitialization" screen shows (you can now remove your finger)

• Once fully booted again, I can now print and scan properly

God forbid I'm ever gonna trust a "suggested update" anymore when everything is already working fine!